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‘It is a passable likeness, but you have not got her mouth quite right. Thorndike’s is more bow-shaped.’
‘Just passable?’ Sophie tried to snatch the picture from his fingers but Robert held it away from her. ‘I want it to be perfect. Give me it so I can destroy it. You’re a beast, Robert.’
Robert calmly folded the portrait and put it in his frock-coat pocket. ‘I’ll keep it safe. You may draw Henri another one, one with a bit more accuracy.’
‘And I did not even get to make a judgement?’ Henri asked, putting her hand on her hip in mock indignation.
‘In my experience most women hate pictures of themselves.’ The dimple flashed at the corner of his mouth. ‘Sophie will show you when the new one is ready.’
‘Am I expected now to sit for more hours?’ Henri collapsed against the back of the chair.
‘Is that a problem?’
‘I believe I deserve a chance for fresh air before Sophie becomes a slave driver again. Is it any wonder I’m longing to dance when all I do is sit?’
‘Are you longing to dance?’ he asked, his eyes turning speculative.
‘Yes!’ she cried. ‘I adore dancing. It is one of the few bonuses of being a confirmed widow. You’re able to dance with those whom you choose. I was looking forward to the ball. It’s for the best I’m staying here as I doubt I would’ve been able to resist the temptation.’
‘We want your ankle to be completely healed before you leave here!’ Sophie cried. ‘Robert, make Henri understand. She must stay longer.’
‘There has been enough posing for today,’ Robert declared. ‘Henri can burn off some of her energy by coming for a walk into the stable yard and you, young lady, had best get your ball gown out. You do not want to suddenly discover that you need to alter the dress, the way you did an hour before you first went to Almack’s.’
‘And it was far from my fault that the ruffle was wrongly placed on that dress.’ Sophie rushed off to her bedroom, leaving Henri with Robert. He held out his arm.
‘Is this your way of saying that I’m recovered and should consider returning to my life, despite Sophie’s desire to continue playing nursemaid?’ Henri asked in alarm as they walked out into the stable yard.
She had hated her first few days here, but she had come to enjoy the unaccustomed feeling of peace and tranquillity. And what if he did wish to be rid of her before the dinner party? What possible reason could he have for that? She tried and failed to imagine Robert and Miss Armstrong together.
Her footstep faltered. Instantly his arm came around her waist, holding her upright. Her entire being hummed from the contact. ‘Are you certain?’
‘Stiff muscles,’ she said and kept her gaze straight ahead.
‘You are looking very serious suddenly,’ he said as they made slow progress towards the stable. ‘A day or two more will hardly be a hardship. You seem to be a steadying influence on Sophie.’
Henri forced her brow to clear and her face to become a bland social smile, but her stomach knotted in disappointment. She’d half-hoped that he wanted her there for himself, but he wanted her for his ward. It was also none of her business whom Robert became involved with. She had given such things up. She was content being a widow. And if she kept telling herself that she’d believe it. ‘I’m trying to puzzle out why I need to come to the stable yard, rather than taking a turn about the garden.’
‘There is someone I’d like you to meet, Henri. Someone who wants to apologise.’
‘Mr Teasdale wishes to apologise?’ she asked, keeping her eyes firmly down on the flag stone rather than glancing up into his face. She knew her cheeks flamed. ‘It has taken him long enough. It has been over a week.’
‘I had to wait until I could trust him, but here he is, contrite and sorry.’
Henri turned towards where Robert pointed. There in the yard stood a mastiff dog, its head tilted to one side, tail slowly wagging. Her knees turned to jelly. She reached out and clung to Robert’s arm. If she could, she’d run back to her room, but as it was she could only stand.
‘That is the dog that attacked me. Mr Teasdale’s dog. Why is he here?’
‘My dog now.’ Robert put a protective hand on her shoulder. ‘Teasdale was not a fit keeper for such a magnificent beast. It is astonishing how quickly he calmed down. All Boy wanted is a bit of care and attention.’
‘I will…I will take your word for it.’ Henri silently measured the distance between the yard and the house. If she walked very quickly, she might make it back safely. But now every waking moment would be filled with dread. ‘Was there any need for me to meet this creature? I could have happily gone for the rest of my life never encountering it again except in my nightmares! He savaged my leg!’
